Along the River Styx (Homebrew Heavy, RP driven, LGBTQIA+ safe)

Creating your character

Character creation is incredibly flexible in this campaign! We use the OG 2014 Rules as a base for balancing classes and mechanics, then we apply the modifications that future supplements such as Tasha's and Xanathar's have given us such as allowing you to place your +2/+1 modifiers where you'd like, or change the proficiencies allowed by backgrounds, or even as far as allowing you to change your spell-casting ability score (such as a Int Warlock) Players who would like to use Homebrew are welcome to submit it to me for review, as is the same with UA content. For the most part, we are very accommodating and accepting of unique, wild, and silly character concepts as long as they fit the general theme of the campaign, and aren't disruptive to gameplay. Players who would like to use the new 2024 rule-set for creating characters are more than welcome to do so! It's integrated with the current rules and mechanics in the same way homebrew would be, with careful considerations to make sure you are able to live your power fantasy and create a functioning character. ~ Characters will be created at level 10, with max HP and a starting feat, replacing any feats granted by other character creation options (such as through your heritage or background). ~ Standard array: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8 ~ Characters have starting equipment defined by their class and background and an additional 8000gp to purchase items and supplies. Character may also have 1 Rare Magical Item, 2 Uncommon Magical items and 2 Common magical items to start along with their other equipment. ~Characters may be created through DnD beyond or Roll20 as long as you also have a Roll20 account and can load the VTT ~ Ideally characters are crafted through communication with me via discord at least an hour prior to session, however 30+ minutes are set aside before start time of sessions to work on technical difficulties or character questions. STORY: Your Character begins this adventure having been freshly risen from death via ritual conducted by a group Patron the party will discuss and agree upon during session 0. The ritual is temporary, and in order to prevent you from being permanently trapped in the Nine Hells as a lemur, you must venture forth and save your soul.

Preparing for the session

~ Players need to registers for a Roll20 account (and it is recommended to subscribe to their service, although not required) ~ Players are required to join the associated discord server and participate in social interactions concerning their character's and preferences towards the game. ~ It is preferred if players have read the "How to play" section of the players handbook, but not required. Having watched or listened to game play is always a bonus! ~ Players should have a working headset, keyboard, and ability to clearly communicate with myself and other players in verbal form. ~ Players should be prepared as best as possible to play for 2-4 hours without interruptions or distractions (As a parent though I completely understand life happens! )

What Ollie brings to the table

This campaign finds a comfortable place among Theater of the Mind intermingled with battle maps for large confrontations, thematic battles, relationships with denizens of the nine hells, and tests of morality. I lean heavily into the rule of cool with every chance I get, offering you opportunities to drive the narrative in the moment, and approach each social and combat encounter your own way. Instead of planning solutions and trying to guide you into pre-planned routes I will create dynamic situations that allow my players to showcase their skills, abilities, items, and expressive nature. I implore you to come ready to ask questions, to delve into the details of the npc's you encounter and the world around you, while it IS a hellscape it doesn't mean it's not rich with lore and secrets. I have NO planned paths, only options and responses to your actions. This is a massive, dynamic landscape and you have access to wild spells, abilities and items. You can use them, combine them, and work together to make scary things happen that even in my 20+ years of DMing I can't plan for, so instead I give you a beautiful sandbox and work on figuring out how it would respond. Expect Homebrew, occasional jokes, and the closest vibe I can get to sitting around a table, throwing candy to each other, and enjoying a weekend of rolling dice while sitting in front of a keyboard. ~ I have a compendium of Homebrew and content creator items provided by myself and supporting players and co-DMs. ~ Digital maps, character tokens, handouts, props, and more! ~ 24/7 access to a custom discord served with several channels dedicated to discussing the campaign and socializing. ~ 20+ years of teaching players tabletop games and working with a diverse crowd of adults, teens, and children. ~ 10+ years of home-brew creation and refining through personal games and LGS games. ~ A calm and patient DM who values communication among his players, creating a safe space to play within, and providing you with a experience to look forward to each week.

Homebrew rules

- Inspiration is stored, a number of them equal to your proficiency modifier. Inspiration can be used to re-roll any dice rolled by a player, and can be used consequentially either until you are empty or satisfied with the resulting number. Inspiration can be transferred from player to player. - Consuming a potion is a bonus action, administering a potion is an action. - Using your action to cast a 1st level or higher spell, allows you to use your bonus action to cast a cantrip with a casting time of Action of bonus action. The leveled spell must be cast first. - Multiple instances of advantage and disadvantage apply a stacking +/-2 modifier. Attacking a prone target, with a ally in proximity, and using reckless attack will result in advantage and +4 to the attack roll. - Spellcasters can concentrate on two spells at a time, incurring disadvantage on all concentration saves, and a resulting failure ends both spells. - Taking 10; If not under duress or time constraints you can choose to "take 10" plus your normal modifier and if it meets/exceeds the DC it's a success without the need to roll. - Critical Hits to the maximum possible damage of the DICE ROLLs involved.

How Ollie creates a safe table

All Gamespaces ran by myself or with myself present will forever be safe spaces for LQBTQIA+ & BIPOC+ No exceptions will be tolerated. Players will have a one-on-one conversation with DM concerning any Lines & Veils and be given open room to express any relevant information beforehand. Afterwards is added to a community server and given a role that determines if they receive pings for available games (optional). During sessions, players are invited to verbally or text communicate upon any discomfort or concerns that arise. Sessions contain voice & virtual tabletop provided by the DM, and require Voice from the players (video is optional). These sessions are a safe place for neurodivergent players and those with audio processing disorders as conversational systems will be in place to make sure we can all be comfortable and communicate. Sessions will use digital maps with miniture tokens representing characters during combat scenes, with digital or physical dice rolling (players choice!). Most non-combat scenes will take place in theater of the mind with supported art when possible. Players can expect: A blended environment where they will be encouraged to talk and act in character. There is no penalty for not doing so, but immersion & engagement is appreciated. Players can expect frequent, moderately challenging combat which may involve long periods of waiting and active listening during other players turns. Depending on the complexity of the player's class they may need to spend additional time working on character and leveling. Players will be engaged in a multitude of different methods of play to ensure that each session is diverse and interesting. Interactions will range anywhere from puzzles, riddles, dungeon crawls, and combat.